[odoyal rulez]

I work weird hours, and usually end up lifting after midnight at my gym. Unfortunately Im usually by myself with no spotters or any help if I drop something on myself. So Ive always used lighter weight.

Recently I started using a smith machine. However im concerned with how you calculate the weight. Is 225 on a smith the same as 225 on a normal bench? It just seems easier to do.

[Noob!]

^^ Same problem no one spots me at the gym! Um I just count the plates! Cause the bar I think doesn't count!(In a free bench u would add 20kg)

Don't quote me incase its like 1.5kg or something stupid after its balanced and all!

[B5150]

So why not just work within your weight range using a free barbell? If weight is your priority so be it. But you do yourself an injustice by sacrificing form by using a smith rack. Use the weight you can on a free bar and progress. JMO

[CantGetBig]

i dont know the weight difference in the smith machine, but it's a huge difference. if you're concerend about dropping it on yourself, drop the weight

[Viperspit]

Look at your Smith at the gym. The most common misconception is this:

When you load an Olympic Bar with (4) 45 lb. plates this = 225 lbs. (The bar is 45 lbs.)

On our Smith at the gym, the Bar is only 15 lbs. So when you load it like usual you are only pushing 195 lbs. That could be the difference you're feeling.

[galtonator]

I personally can lift more free than on a smith but if your on your own a smith is the way to go far safer you dont wanta bar in your throat

[BPMartyr]

Use dumbbells. Or use an olympic bar in the power rack.

[idunk42]

As BP said, dumbells baby!!

I didnt use barbell for over 2 months, and when I finally went back to barbell, my max went up 15lbs.

[Mulletsoldier]

Smith machines are good for CGBP, Front Squats, and that is about it IMO. It should not be used for staple exercises like squats and BP

[USMARINE8152]

I think smith machines are ok if your recovering from a injury or maybe for front squats but other then that they should be burned and buried in a field. I hate when I go to the gym and see some guy with ILS ( invisiable lat syndrone) thinking hes tough after doing 225 aka 195 on a smith machine.

One moron I over heard about his max on a smith machine saying the bar is heavier on a smith machine.....

[Noob!]

Originally Posted by Viperspit

Look at your Smith at the gym. The most common misconception is this:

When you load an Olympic Bar with (4) 45 lb. plates this = 225 lbs. (The bar is 45 lbs.)

On our Smith at the gym, the Bar is only 15 lbs. So when you load it like usual you are only pushing 195 lbs. That could be the difference you're feeling.

whats 15ibs in kgs sorry to ask but this is one of those things that I would like to know. I squat with the smith because I can't find anyone strong enough to spot it free.

[BPMartyr]

Originally Posted by Noob!

whats 15ibs in kgs sorry to ask but this is one of those things that I would like to know. I squat with the smith because I can't find anyone strong enough to spot it free.

6.8 kg. .45359237 kg in every lb

Use a power rack. You don't need a spotter.

[B5150]

I'll be honest. I do use one, for only one thing. Seated military press. I can shimmy my bench under it so I can get the bar to just barely clear my chin and lower it to my clavical. I am able to keep very strict form this way. Otherwise, for me, with a free barbell, there is too much lateral and horizontal motion when I perfrom military. Otherwise, I never use it.

[codyjeremiah]

never used a smith but go dumbells